|
|
 |
| |
Inventory updated: Fri, Jan 15, 2021 04:02 PM cst
All Under $50
We have a fantastic selection of wines in this offer ALL under $50. We selected those in our inventory from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone and Italy. Something in here for every palate and occasion.
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Arbo |
2016 |
Cotes de Bordeaux Malbec |
$15.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Bellefont Belcier |
2017 |
St. Emilion  2017 en Primeur Release |
$45 |
8 |
|
| |
JD 92-95 (4/2018): Coming from a 13.5-hectare vineyard sitting on the plateau and south-facing hillside of the Cote Pavie (right beside Larcis-Ducasse), the 2017 Bellefont-Belcier is a screaming success in the vintage. Loaded with beautiful dark fruits, violets, and salty, rocky minerality, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, sensational purity of fruit, and perfect balance. The tentative blend is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it hit a solid 14.6% natural alcohol. It’s certainly worth your time and money. Tasted three times.
JS 93-94 (4/2018): Very focused and compacted, showcasing extremely polished and firm tannins. Medium-to full-bodied and finely glossy and precise. Dark fruits, wet earth and an intense finish. Excellent length.
WA 89-91 (4/2018): The 2017 Bellefont Belcier is deep garnet-purple colored and scented of baked plums and dried mulberries with touches of fragrant earth and underbrush. Medium-bodied, soft and plush, it has plenty of fruit and a gorgeous texture, finishing long. The tentative blend is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. |
|
| Ch. Dauzac |
2017 |
Margaux 2017 en Primeur Release |
$49.99 |
6 |
|
| |
JS 92-93 (4/2018): This builds on the palate with medium to full body, lots of dark fruits and a full tannins that drive the finish. Shows energy and length. Precise and transparent. Could be better than 2016?
WS 90-93 (4/2018): Pure, with a streak of iron adding some tension to the mix of damson plum and red currant flavors. A light floral hint weaves over the top. Fresh acidity.
VM 90-92 (5/2018): The 2017 Dauzac was picked from 17 September and finished at the end of the month. Matured in 65% new oak it has a surprisingly intense black cherry, blueberry and violet, a vivacious bouquet that I hope is in situ once this is bottled. The palate is medium-bodied with dense black fruit, wild strawberry, quite grippy in the mouth with a structured but elegant finish. Don't under-estimate this Margaux because under Laurent Fortin the team produced a delightful Margaux. Neal Martin.
JD 90-92 (4/2018): The 2017 Château Dauzac should be an Outstanding wine, showing the charming, forward style that’s common from the Margaux appellation in 2017. Plums, cherries, and incense aromatics, a ripe, velvety texture, integrated acidity, and a great finish all make for an impressive 2017 that should drink nicely in its youth. |
|
| Ch. Lafon Rochet |
2009 |
St. Estephe (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$37.99 |
12 |
|
| |
NM 93 (1/2013): Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. This is a strong performance from Lafon-Rochet. There is a lot of high class new oak on the nose here, but there is plenty of ripe black fruit to support it: dark plum, blackcurrant and graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with a dense, grippy entry and a rather saturnine mid-palate. Closed, broody, obdurate and yet there is certainly decent weight of fruit here. At the moment it is unapologetically charmless but its time will come. Kudos Basile Tesseron.
JS 92 (7/2012): Pretty aromas of menthol and other spices and red fruits. Full to medium body with fine tannins and a refined finish. Very lovely now but obviously better in 2015.
WS 91 (3/2012): Juicy and very lively, with lots of briar, currant, cherry, toasty spice and anise notes all framed by bright floral and iron hints. The long finish has excellent cut and drive. Best from 2013 through 2021. 11,250 cases made.
VM 91 (7/2012): Good ruby-red. Superripe aromas of plum, dark chocolate and menthol. Dense and fine-grained, with good energy to its dark fruit, cinder and woodsmoke flavors. Very glossy in a 2009 way. Finishes rich and ripe, with substantial dusty tannins.
WA 90 (2/2012): This wine seems to be one of the few that has not yet recovered from bottling. In a somewhat monolithic, latched-down style, it has plenty of stuffing, lots of structure and an impressive dark ruby/purple color, but it is very hard to coax from the glass. It is a rather classic St.-Estephe made by the Tesseron family, with its distinctive blood orange label, but this wine seems to beg for another 5-7 years of bottle age. The final blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc has some impressive fruit, but the wine just seems slightly more clipped and narrow than I remember it from barrel. Hopefully, time will mellow out this impression. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. |
|
| Ch. Langoa Barton |
2017 |
St. Julien (375 ML) 2017 en Primeur Release |
$28.99 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 93 (2/2020): The 2017 Langoa-Barton has a wonderful bouquet with blackberry, briary, potpourri and light violet scents that are extremely well integrated with the 60% new oak. Nothing pretentious, nothing extravagant. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannin, one of the most pliable Langoa’s that I can recall with plenty of black cherry and cassis fruit on the structured finish. This is a great Langoa-Barton that comes highly recommended. Neal Martin.
JS 93 (12/2019): Lots of crushed blackcurrants and chocolate on the nose, following through to a medium to full body with soft, friendly tannins that are caressing and beautiful. Drinkable now, but better after 2022.
WS 92 (3/2020): Ripe, bright and fresh, featuring a terrific beam of cassis and plum fruit running through, flanked by anise and red tea notes and scored by a singed applewood accent on the finish. Needs a little time to unwind fully. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2032. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 7,333 cases made. |
|
| Ch. Latour Martillac |
2017 |
Pessac-Leognan 2017 en Primeur Release |
$39.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 91-92 (4/2018): A dark-berry and dark-chocolate character with spices. Medium body and a delicious finish.
WS 90-93 (4/2018): This sports some dark plum and fig fruit flavors allied to a gentle and silky structure. A light licorice snap hint echoes through the finish, with sweet spice notes. The polished finish shows a gloss of toast.
JD 89-91 (4/2018): The inky-colored 2017 Château Latour-Martillac is another terrific wine from this consistent estate. Blackberries, crushed rocks, espresso, and ample herbal notes give way to a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated 2017 that has ripe tannin and a focused, firm style on the palate. Give it 2-4 years and it should keep for a decade.
VM 89-91 (5/2018): The 2017 Latour-Martillac, which is aged in 40% new oak, picked from 12 to 29 September, contains 13.5° alcohol with a pH of 3.6. I must confess that this is the one property where I encountered some sample variation, a couple showing some oxidative issues. The best sample had a high-toned, gregarious bouquet with cassis, blackberry and boysenberry aromas tinged with sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannin, compact in style with firm grip but missing the peacock’s tail on the saline finish, as if ending the show before the final act. I will seek to re-taste this at a later date. |
|
| Ch. Les Cruzelles |
2017 |
Lalande de Pomerol 2017 en Primeur Release |
$29.99 |
36 |
|
| |
VM 90-92 (5/2018): The 2017 Lés Cruzelles comes from clay soils, the Merlot picked from 13 to 22 September, the Cabernet Franc on 22 September, matured in 40% new oak. I found that this has a little more cohesion and focus than the La Chenade at this early stage, blackberry mixed with raspberry and loamy scents, fresh and full of vim. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. This is very nicely focused with crisp acidity, saline and persistent on the finish. Excellent – this is as good a Lalande de Pomerol as you will find in 2017. Neal Martin.
JS 90-91 (4/2018): This shows a pretty center palate of dark fruit and hints of salt. Medium-bodied, firm and silky.
WA 89-91 (4/2018): Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Les Cruzelles opens with crushed blackcurrants and blackberry compote notions with underlying menthol, pencil lead, anise and tobacco notes plus a waft of black pepper. Medium-bodied and quite minerally in the mouth, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with persistent earthy nuances.
WS 87-90 (4/2018): Gently steeped black currant and blackberry fruit glides through, infused with a mix of tea, savory and incense notes. Reveals a light sanguine echo at the end. |
|
| Ch. Ormes de Pez |
2008 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$41.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (2/2019): Notes of leafy herbs, graphite, damp earth, and assorted darker fruits emerge from the 2008 Ormes de Pez, and it’s a mature, yet incredibly satisfying, complex, classic Saint-Estèphe. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, with nicely integrated acidity and a classic, elegant, balanced feel, drink it any time over the coming decade or so. |
|
| Connetable Talbot |
2016 |
St. Julien ex-Negociant |
$31.45 |
13 |
|
| |
JS 92 (1/2019): Big cassis fruit with nice, toasty and vanilla oak, draw you into the full and almost silky palate, where the tannins only slightly show their hand right at the end. Second wine of Château Talbot. Drink or hold.
VM 89 (1/2019): The 2016 Connétable Talbot is a pleasant Saint-Julien to drink now and over the next few year. Sweet tobacco, dried herbs, leather and game add shades of nuance to this attractive second wine from Talbot. Antonio Galloni.
WA 88 (11/2018): Pale to medium garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Connetable de Talbot features red and black plums as well as red and black currants on the nose with suggestions of bay leaves, fallen leaves and cloves. The palate is medium-bodied, refreshing and elegant with plenty of lively red berries and warm plum flavors, with a soft texture and spicy finish. |
|
| Dom. de Cambes |
2015 |
Bordeaux Superieur ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 91+ (2/2019): From the team at Tertre Rôteboeuf and based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc brought up in new barrels, the 2015 Domaine de Cambes is a serious, age-worthy wine from the Côtes de Bourg appellation, which is located on the right bank, north of Fronsac and along the river. Possessing more depth of fruit compared to the 2015, with loads of darker fruits, toasted bread, and graphite, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, good concentration, and a firm, structured, focused style. It just needs 2-4 years of bottle age.
VM 91 (2/2018): Super-ripe black cherry, plum, mocha, new leather and spice notes abound in the 2015 Domaine des Cambes. Plush on the palate, with silky tannins and no hard edges, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is another heady, exotically rich 2015 from François Mitjavile. Domaine des Cambes is predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc from clay/limestone soils on the lower slopes of the property. Antonio Galloni.
WA 90 (4/2018): The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Domaine de Cambes opens with lovely red and black currants, spicy plums and blueberries with touches of pencil lead, tobacco and Indian spices. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and chewy with plenty of spicy fruit and a long, earthy finish. |
|
| Dom. de la Gaffeliere |
1982 |
St. Emilion |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/1995): The 1982 is one of the few successful wines made during a disappointing period for La Gaffeliere. It displays the subtle, elegant style this estate favors, as well as an attractive, graceful bouquet of sweet, toasty oak intermingled with ripe black-cherries. Medium-bodied and silky smooth with plenty of spice, this low acid wine has no hard edges. It should be drunk over the next 4-6 years . Tasted 3 times with consistent notes. |
|
| Fleur de Pedesclaux |
2016 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$36.99 |
26 |
|
| |
WS 92 (3/2019): An extroverted style, with bold plum and blackberry compote aromas and flavors, infused with anise accents and backed by an alluring finish of toasted vanilla, violet and mocha. On the showy side, but has enough latent drive to keep it honest. Drink now through 2030. 15,167 cases made.
JS 92 (1/2019): Sweet tobacco, currant and dark-berry aromas follow through to a full body, soft and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Second wine of Pédesclaux. Drink in 2023.
VM 90 (1/2019): The 2016 Fleur de Pédesclaux has a generous, rounded bouquet of wild strawberry and blackberry fruit mixed with briar and tobacco aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a pastille-like purity on the entry, displaying fine tannin and light grip but offering ebullient red berry fruit on the detailed finish. This is impressive for a second wine and will probably drink well after a couple of years. Neal Martin. |
|
| La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion |
2015 |
Pessac Leognan (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$49 |
5 |
|
| |
JS 94 (2/2018): Lots of currants, spices and fresh herbs follow through to a full body that's tight and silky. Hints of cream and vanilla. Savory and salty. Shows structure and intensity as the second wine of La Mission. Try in 2021.
WS 93 (3/2018): Lush, offering gorgeous waves of plum sauce, cassis and steeped raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors that are infused with black tea, roasted apple wood and melted black licorice. The long finish lets everything cruise through, with a seamless feel. Almost approachable because of the polish, but there's absolutely no rush here. A jaw-dropping display of powerfully rendered fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2020 through 2035. 4,100 cases made.
JD 92 (11/2017): As to the reds, the 2015 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion is a terrific second wine well worth seeking out. Tobacco leaf, asphalt, earth and loads of ripe black fruits all emerge from this sexy, opulent, medium to full-bodied, beauty that shares plenty of similarities to its bigger brother. With ripe tannin and a great finish, drink it anytime over the coming two decades.
WA 92 (2/2018): Composed of 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium garnet-purple colored 2015 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion opens with an earthy nose of mossy bark, fragrant soil and fallen leaves over a core of red and black currants, bay leaves and menthol plus a waft of violets. Medium to full-bodied, it has compelling restraint and elegance with soft tannins and great freshness, finishing on a mineral note. Possessing the spirit and many of the signature hallmarks of its big brother, this second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion is certainly nothing to sneeze at! |
|
| Les Pagodes des Cos |
2014 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$49.90 |
6 |
|
| |
JS 93 (2/2017): The intensity of plums, spices, mushrooms and black truffles is very impressive. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a savory finish. Delicious second wine already. Better in 2020.
VM 92 (2/2017): The 2014 Les Pagodes de Cos is racy and voluptuous from the outset. Dark stone fruit, chocolate, menthol, licorice and dark spices run through this succulent, textured Saint-Estèphe. The interplay of dense flavors from the dehydration of fruit by warm days and anticyclonic winds resulted in an unusually opulent second wine, made in a flamboyant, exotic style that is found in some wines of the northern Médoc in 2014. Antonio Galloni.
WS 90 (3/2017): Shows good flesh, with a core of plum, raspberry and blackberry paste flavors, underscored by racier pebble and savory notes. Delivers briary energy throughout. Best from 2018 through 2028.
WA 90 (3/2017): The 2014 Les Pagodes de Cos, now in bottle, seems to be wasting no time in appeasing those who like to drink their Bordeaux young. (And why not? This is a deuxième vin after all.) The nose is open and generous with blackberry fruit tinged with dark chocolate and a touch of mint, the graphite element not evident here as it was in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, very well-judged acidity and very fine focus. Like the Grand Vin, this is not an exotic or flamboyant Cos d'Estournel, but no way would you describe it as lean. There is an easy-drinking approachable nature to this Les Pagodes de Cos, without precluding it of precision and length, whilst the graphite note pops up right at the finish and on the aftertaste. This delightful wine should be drinking from 2018 and over the next decade. Tasted February 2017. |
|
|
2015 |
St. Estephe (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$29.99 |
18 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (2/2018): The 2015 Les Pagodes de Cos is a very serious second wine, especially in this vintage, where so many Saint Estèphes are on the lighter side. Plush, deep and enveloping, within the mid-weight style of the year, the 2015 Pagodes possesses lovely depth, texture and resonance. Black cherry, plum, licorice, tobacco and menthol wrap around the racy finish. All the elements are in the right place. This is very nicely done. The blend is 46% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Mondot |
2015 |
St. Emilion (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$22.95 |
9 |
|
| |
JS 92 (2/2018): Sweet floral aromas, as well as potpourri, earth-dusted dark berries and cassis. The palate’s dusty tannins are bathed in rich, dark berry and plum flavors. Great plushness and intensity here. A weighty finish. Drink or hold.
WS 92 (2/2018): Gorgeous spice-infused plum, raspberry and blackberry reduction aromas and flavors stream through, with light anise and black tea shadings. Silky, refined and focused. Drink now through 2025. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,083 cases made.
WA 89 (2/2018): Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Mondot has a nose of blackberry pie, blueberry tart and raisin cake with touches of fertile loam, black pepper, tar and truffles plus a waft of chargrill. Very full-bodied, big and rich, this is a bit of a bruiser with firm, chewy tannins and a very long, spicy finish. |
|
| Roc des Cambes |
2017 |
Cotes de Bourg 2017 en Primeur Release |
$49.99 |
30 |
|
| |
JD 94 (2/2020): A hidden gem that emerges from the cellar of Tertre Roteboeuf, the 2017 Roc De Cambes comes from a vineyard in the Cotes de Bourg region of Bordeaux, which is located north of Fronsac. It’s a superstar effort that boasts a deep purple hue as well as sumptuous notes of creme de cassis, white flowers, candle wax, and graphite. A powerful, full-bodied 2017 with plenty of background oak, a seamless texture, and a rare mix of power and elegance, count me impressed. It’s going to evolve for 10-15 years or more. Don’t miss a chance to grab a bottle if you can.
VM 93 (2/2020): The 2017 Roc de Cambes has a vivid bouquet with ebullient redcurrant and cranberry fruit that "jump" out of the glass, yet the aromatics remain tender and graceful, to use two words uttered by François Mitjavile in describing the vintage. The palate is very well balanced with filigree tannins, dark berry fruit laced with clove and bay leaf, just a hint of tobacco on the aftertaste. Very fine and very classy. Neal Martin.
WA 90-92 (4/2018): The 2017 Roc de Cambes is deep garnet-purple in color with a slightly reticent nose of blackberries, cassis and tar with nuances of pencil shavings, damp soil and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and grainy with great freshness and a long, lively finish. |
|
| Ronan by Clinet |
2016 |
Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$12.95 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (2/2019): The Merlot-dominated 2016 By Clinet (there's 5% Cabernet Franc) is a charming, already delicious effort that gives up elegant notes of chocolate-laced plums and dark fruits, notes of leafy herbs and truffle, medium to full body, and a layered, charming mouthfeel. It's a terrific Bordeaux to drink over the coming 7-8 years or so. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. Caillou |
2001 |
Sauternes |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (7/2004): Bright yellow. At once cool and exotic on the nose, with notes of mirabelle, fruit salad and licorice. Fat, generous and sweet, but ultimately more broad than complex. Brightened by a flavor of orange juice. A layered, rich wine with very good material. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2005 |
Sauternes (375 ML) |
$23 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 87 (7/2008): Bright yellow-gold. Aromas of ginger and marzipan. Juicy, spicy and concentrated, with good cut and definition to the fat pineapple and floral flavors. Finishes sweet, fresh and persistent, with good penetration. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Climens |
2015 |
Barsac (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$43.99 |
18 |
|
| |
VM 97 (2/2018): Gracious, light on its feet and positively sublime, the 2015 Climens is one of the wines of the vintage. Its airiness and grace are hard to capture with words. Lightly honeyed notes, chamomile and exotic flowers lead into orchard fruit and candied citrus in this impeccably polished, nuanced Barsac. I would prefer to cellar the 2015 for at least a few years to get the benefit of even more complexity, but readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this gem from Climens and proprietor Bérénice Lurton. Antonio Galloni.
WS 97 (3/2018): Gorgeous, offering a range of orange, almond and brioche notes backed by lively citrus oil, green tea and ginger accents. Rich but tightly coiled nonetheless, with lots of energy lying in reserve on the finish. Needs some time. Best from 2022 through 2045. 3,083 cases made.
WA 97 (2/2018): The 2015 Climens always shows awkwardly after bottling, a Barsac that demands bottle age. Still, you can appreciate the intensity here, with touches of mint and jasmine complementing the honeyed fruit. The palate is just as it should be: very pure and refined, a perfect line of acidity, utterly harmonious with a viscous finish with hints of vanilla pod and orange pith lingering on the aftertaste. Bérénice Lurton has overseen a delectable Barsac that as usual will reward those with the nous to bottle long term. |
|
| Ch. Coutet |
2017 |
Barsac (375 ML) 2017 en Primeur Release |
$24.99 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (4/2018): Another rocking sweet wine is the 2017 Château Coutet. This big, full-bodied, opulent beauty has serious notes of orange blossom, buttered citrus, and honey, yet also shows the more pure, precise, and elegant style of the vintage on the palate. The cool, overcast summer allowed good ripeness while preserving the purity of fruit and the whites (and dessert wines) from this vintage are beautiful!
WS 92-95 (4/2018): Bright pineapple and white peach flavors rush forth, with a zip of tangerine running through the creamy finish. Shows lots of honeysuckle accents on the finish. Youthfully tight, but delivers wonderful length. |
|
| Ch. Doisy Daene |
2016 |
Sauternes (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$24.95 |
7 |
|
| |
JS 94-95 (4/2017): This is very serious with lots of spicy, botrytis character and a deep and dense palate. Full-bodied, very sweet and long on the finish.
WS 92-95 (4/2017): This has a wide range of white peach, yellow apple and green fig flavors that show good zip and brightness for the vintage, with a long honeysuckle note lifting the finish. |
|
| Ch. Doisy Vedrines |
1996 |
Sauternes |
$39 |
6 |
|
| |
| WS 89 (9/2008): Tasted at the Doisy-Védrines vertical at the château, the 1996 Château Doisy-Védrines is very closed at first. Returning after 20 minutes, it becomes quite floral on the bouquet with ripe Satsumas, burnt honey and caramelized pear. There is satisfying rather than exemplary definition, not quite the focus of more recent vintages. It is very smooth and unctuous on the entry and perhaps lacks a little acidity. There is certainly a lot of botrytis, but it is missing precision on the apricot and orange liqueur-tinged finish. |
|
| Ch. Lafaurie Peyraguey |
2006 |
Sauternes |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (4/2016): Tasted at the Sauternes 2006 ten-year on horizontal in Bordeaux. The 2006 Lafaurie Peyraguey has a complex bouquet: honey, white chocolate, quince and dried pineapple scents that billow from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with marmalade and bitter orange on the entry, a fine line of acidity with a harmonious mandarin and grapefruit finish that carries ample botrytis with it. This appears to have improved over the last couple of years, suggesting an upward trajectory in bottle? Worth checking out. |
|
| Ch. Puyanche |
2016 |
Cotes de Bordeaux Blanc ex-Negociant |
$16.99 |
27 |
|
| |
| WS 88 (4/2019): Fresh, with a floral hint and a light chalky spine adding lift to the mix of red currant and damson plum fruit flavors. Not big, but balanced and subtly persistent on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Albert Morot |
2018 |
Beaune 1er Cru Les Cent Vignes |
$48.99 |
13 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (4/2020): A slightly cooler though still notably ripe nose features notes of black raspberry, dark cherry, violet and soft spice wisps. There is excellent richness and volume for the appellation as the succulent and round flavors possess a caressing mid-palate that contrasts somewhat with the mildly austere and well-balanced if decidedly firm finish where a touch of wood gradually emerges. This too is quite good. Drink 2028+. Outstanding! |
|
| Dom. Michele and Patrice Rion |
2018 |
Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Rouge Les Dames Huguettes ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| BH 87-90 (1/2020): (planted at a density of 10,000 vines/ha, which is very rare in the Hautes Côtes.) A more restrained if more elegant nose reluctantly offers up an array of red and dark berry fruit aromas that are cut with top notes of violet and spice. There is a bracing salinity to the attractively textured middle weight flavors that deliver unusually good depth and length for what this is. Highly recommended for value. Drink 2023+. Outstanding! |
|
| Dom. Ponsot |
2006 |
Bourgogne Pinot Noir Cuvee du Pinson |
$45 |
4 |
|
| |
| BH 84-86 (1/2008): A touch of reduction knocks down the nose but the nicely detailed, sweet and punchy medium weight flavors are long, energetic and linear if not overly complex. Correct. Drink 2011+. |
|
| Dom. Tollot-Beaut |
1999 |
Chorey Les Beaune |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 86-87 (6/2001): The medium to dark ruby-colored 1999 Chorey-Cote de Beaune is sold in every market except the United States as Chorey-Les-Beaune. It is medium to dark ruby-colored and has a sweet, lush, red fruit-scented nose. It offers a good depth of plush cherry fruit, a satiny texture, and a flavorful, structured character. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. |
|
| Lionel Dufour |
2000 |
Gevrey-Chambertin |
$50 |
8 |
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| A. & P. de Villaine |
2018 |
Bouzeron Aligote |
$33.99 |
18 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (6/2020): Aromas of green apple, pear, white flowers and beeswax introduce the 2018 Bouzeron, a medium-bodied, racy wine with an elegantly satiny attack, bright acids and a long, precise finish. This is a touch more demonstrative out of the gates than the 2017 rendition, but it retains plenty of cut in this warm year and should age well. |
|
| Dom. des Malandes |
2018 |
Chablis ex-Domaine |
$21.95 |
35 |
|
| |
VM 88 (1/2020): The 2018 Chablis is wonderfully silky and perfumed. Light on its feet and inviting, the 2018 has plenty to offer. Soft contours nicely coax out the lemon peel, grapefruit and white flower notes. The domaine's Chablis villages is a blend of eight parcels, all on the Left Bank. Antonio Galloni.
BH 88 (10/2019): (from a remarkable total holding of 16 ha.) There is a residual touch of post-bottling sulfur that renders the nose difficult to assess today. Otherwise there is better mid-palate concentration to the nicely vibrant middle weight flavors that possess notably better complexity on the very dry, focused and lingering finish. Drink 2021+.
JS 88 (7/2019): A vibrant, white-peach and fresh white-melon nose with a very open, fleshy palate. Plenty of fruit here. Drink now. |
|
|
2018 |
Chablis 1er Cru Cote de Lechet ex-Domaine |
$29.95 |
21 |
|
| |
JS 91 (7/2019): A very impressive array of fresh white peaches and melon here with oyster shell and wet pebbles. The palate has quite a taut core of melon with some chalky cut, to close out a dry, assertive finish. Drink now.
VM 89+ (1/2020): The 2018 Chablis Côte de Léchet 1er Cru is laced with notes of exotic white flowers and pear. Soft and understated, this hushed Chablis offers terrific purity even if it comes across as a bit compact and lacking in depth. It is nevertheless a very pretty, nuanced Chablis. Perhaps more time in bottle will allow it flesh out more fully. Antonio Galloni.
BH 89 (10/2019): (from parcels totaling 1.43 ha.) The hallmark ripe citrus aromas are laced with hints of petrol, spiced apple and a floral whiff where again there is just enough typicity to be persuasive. The very rich, sappy and caressing medium-bodied flavors possess an attractive mid-palate mouth feel that contrasts somewhat with the linear, short and mildly edgy finish. This had just been bottled and I suspect that this may well harmonize once it's had a chance to absorb its sulfur. Drink 2023+. |
|
|
2018 |
Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume Vieilles Vignes ex-Domaine |
$32.95 |
36 |
|
| |
VM 92 (1/2020): The 2018 Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru emerges from the family's historic holdings planted in 1953 and 1972. Creamy and enveloping the Fourchaume shows the Malandes style at its best. Pear, spice and ginger all meld together in this expressive yet understated Chablis. The 2018 finishes with striking nuance. This is really very nicely done. Antonio Galloni.
JS 91 (7/2019): This is very bright and perfumed with aromas of spiced peach custard with white flowers. The palate has a keen sense of balance with good acidity, crisp fruit and a flinty finish. Needs a year or two. Try in 2021. |
|
|
2018 |
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu ex-Domaine |
$33.95 |
36 |
|
| |
VM 92 (1/2020): The 2018 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru is another very pretty wine in this range. It is bright, racy and lifted, with terrific energy, persistence and cut. White flowers, mint and chamomile all run through this exotic, nuanced Chablis from Domaine des Malandes. Antonio Galloni.
JS 91 (7/2019): Aromas of fresh pears and chalk with banana and spiced-biscuit notes, too. The palate has a very succulent and focused feel with an assertive, peach and melon core. Drink or hold.
BH 90 (10/2019): (from a parcel of .26 ha.)A moderately exotic nose of both white and yellow orchard fruit and reasonably good Chablis typicity is trimmed in just enough wood to notice. The rich, luscious and sappy medium-bodied flavors possess very good volume and punch on the nicely dry if mildly warm finale. Note that this will be approachable young. Drink 2023+. |
|
|
2018 |
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains ex-Domaine |
$31.95 |
13 |
|
| |
JS 92 (7/2019): Very pure and fresh yellow citrus fruit with wet stones and a lemon-rind edge. The palate has a very composed and smooth-honed feel; the oak slides into play nicely and the wine holds long on the finish. Drink over the next six years.
VM 89 (1/2020): The 2018 Chablis Montmains 1er Cru offers lovely depth. Lemon confit, white flowers, citrus peel and spice are nicely delineated. This wine emerges from two parcels in Montmains proper, one of which borders Fore^ts. As pretty as the 2018 is, it feels just a bit compact. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Saint-Bris ex-Domaine |
$16.95 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Guillot-Broux |
2018 |
Macon Cruzille Les Genievrieres Blanc |
$24.99 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Marc Colin |
2011 |
Saint Aubin 1er Cru En Montceau |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Alain Voge |
2018 |
Cornas Les Chailles |
$46.99 |
5 |
|
| |
VM 94 (4/2020): Bright purple. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice and pungent flowers pick up a floral nuance as the wine opens up. Plush cassis and blackberry flavors are braced by a spine of juicy acidity, and a cracked pepper flourish adds spicy cut to the back half. Becomes sweeter with air and features a hint of cola on the long, smoky finish, which features harmonious tannins and lingering florality. Josh Raynolds.
JD 93-95 (12/2019): More violets, lavender, pen ink, and minty herb notes, as well as gorgeous gamey Cornas fruit all, emerge from the 2018 Cornas Les Chailles. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully textured, it's another brilliant wine from this estate. This cuvée comes from a mix of lieux-dits (Combe, Les Saveaux, Cayret, Les Mazards, Chaillot, and Chapuzes), was completely destemmed and was brought up all in used barrels. |
|
| Clos du Mont Olivet |
2017 |
Lirac |
$17.79 |
33 |
|
| |
| WS 89 (11/2019): Red currant and plum puree notes glide through, lined with subtle anise and tea accents. A light apple wood frame holds the finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,000 cases made, 500 cases imported. |
|
| Clos Saint Jean |
2016 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$35.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 93 (8/2018): Moving to the reds and 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre, the base 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty and boasts appealing notes of spiced red and black fruits, cedar, and garrigue. Full-bodied, ripe and undeniably sexy, it’s going to benefit from a year or three in the cellar and drink nicely for over a decade.
WA 92 (8/2018): The lush, fruit-forward 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a good introduction to the domaine's Grenache-dominated style, boasting copious amounts of cherry and apricot fruit. It's full-bodied and velvety in texture, with attractive hints of licorice emerging on the long finish. With its slightly more prominent acidity, it should drink well for longer than the 2015 or 2017 versions.
VM 91 (7/2018): Bright ruby-red. Pungent raspberry, cherry and garrigue scents are complemented by smoky mineral and licorice accents. Silky and concentrated, offering juicy red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a touch of candied lavender. Shows very good depth, focus and solid thrust on a youthfully tannic finish that features a lingering cracked pepper note. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. Coursodon |
2017 |
St. Joseph Rouge lOlivaie |
$33.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 94 (12/2019): The 2017 Saint Joseph Olivaie is a slightly smaller production release compared to the Silice and is brought up in 15% new French oak. It offers a beautiful bouquet of cassis, crushed violets, and graphite, with a kiss of background oak. It's a more rounded, polished, and textured Saint Joseph that has a touch of modern character, yet never loses its Northern Rhône soul. Drink it over the coming decade.
JS 93 (7/2019): The fruit rises to the lead here with attractive blackberries and blackcurrants, as well as ripe plums, earth, wet slate and woody spices. The palate builds such attractively fleshy fruit with a very smooth, succulent delivery of vibrant tannins and a sleek, pepper-dusted, fine-tannin finish. Drink or hold.
VM 92 (9/2019): Opaque ruby. Bright and energetic on the perfumed nose, displaying intense dark berry and floral scents that pick up spicy character as the wine opens up. In a juicy, fruit-driven style, offering appealingly sweet blueberry and cherry flavors and suggestions of licorice and candied violet. Finishes very long and smooth, with just a trace of velvety tannins and resonating spiciness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2018 |
St. Joseph Rouge lOlivaie ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 95 (11/2020): The 2018 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie is a more serious, concentrated wine offering a touch of background oak as well as impressive cassis and blackberry fruits, full-bodied richness, notes of pepper and Asian spice, building tannins, and a great finish. It shows more minerality and an almost gunflint-like character with time in the glass. It needs a solid 3-5 years of bottle age, but it should see its 20th birthday in fine form.
VM 93 (4/2020): Glass-staining ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, vanilla and smoky minerals, plus a sexy floral note in the background. Gently sweet and expansive on the palate, offering supple blackberry and cherry compote flavors that show sharp clarity and very good depth. Seamless and focused on the persistent, smoke-tinged finish, with velvety tannins providing framework. 20% new oak. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2016 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 91 (12/2018): Readers looking to understand the style of this estate should snatch up the 2016 Saint Joseph Silice, as it's a classic Syrah that shows both the vintage character as well as the style of the estate. Blackberries, pepper herbs, and plenty of earthy minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied, charming, supple, fleshy Syrah that has sweet tannins and loads of upfront charm. It's ideal for drinking over the coming 4-6 years. This cuvée comes from 30-year-old vines outside of Mauves (which is where the estate is located), was all destemmed, and spent 12 months in barrel.
VM 91 (4/2018): Brilliant violet color. Lively, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh cherry and dark berries, smoky minerals and violet. Smooth, sappy and energetic in the mouth, offering gently sweet black raspberry, floral pastille and allspice flavors and a zesty touch of cracked pepper. Shows very good clarity and spicy cut on the floral-tinged finish, which is framed by gentle, harmonious tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2017 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 92 (12/2019): The entry-level release, the 2017 Saint Joseph Silice is from a mix of terroirs and is aged a year in a variety of oak barrels. It’s always a good value, and the 2017 is no exception, offering classy notes of black fruits, ground pepper, leafy herbs, and damp earth. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and has the class to evolve for over a decade.
JS 92 (7/2019): An impressive syrah with such rich, pure dark plums and cherries, as well as chocolate, black pepper, dark stones, toasted baking spice and licorice. The palate is so silky, really plush, fleshy and open with a very appealing, fresh-fruit finish. Drink or hold. |
|
|
2018 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 93 (11/2020): The 2018 Saint Joseph Silice showed beautifully, with lots of black cherry, currants, peppery herbs, and violet-like aromas and flavors. It's a rich, medium to full-bodied, expansive, spicy Saint Joseph with more fruit and texture than most. I like it today, but it's going to keep nicely for 10-12 years or more.
VM 92 (4/2020): Deep, brilliant magenta. An expressive bouquet displays mineral-accented red and blue fruits, along with subtle white pepper, peony and allspice flourishes. Juicy and penetrating in the mouth, offering lively cherry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors that turn sweeter with air. Closes with subtle tannins and persistent red berry and mineral notes. Raised in large, neutral oak barrels. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2016 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (6/2020): The 2016 Family Grenache (as I’ve written in the past, these labels are ridiculously confusing) showed beautifully, with a deep purple hue followed by an incredibly complex bouquet of mulled black cherry and blueberry fruits interwoven with notes of licorice, lavender, peppery garrigue, and violets. A big, rich, full-bodied Grenache with good freshness, ripe tannins, a great, mineral-laced finish, it would easily stand in a blind lineup of top Châteauneuf du Pape. Drink it any time over the coming decade. |
|
|
2016 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Syrah ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (6/2020): The 2016 Family Syrah is a big, rich, powerful Syrah that needs bottle age but is loaded with potential. A smoky, reductive, meaty bouquet of assorted dark fruits, peppery garrigue, smoked game, and a touch of black olive gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated 2016 with beautiful purity of fruit, a rounded, opulent mouthfeel, solid acidity, and a great finish. It’s a stunning effort. Hide bottles for 2-4 years, and it’s going to keep for over a decade. |
|
|
2019 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Loubie Rose ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (4/2020): The light pink/salmon hued 2019 Loubié Rosé from Mourchon a beautiful village not far from Gigondas and is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. It offers a beautiful bouquet of ripe peach, tangerines, and strawberries to go with a juicy, medium-bodied style on the palate. It has bright acidity, plenty of fruit, and is another undeniably delicous rosé from this great estate. Drink it over the coming summer months. |
|
|
2016 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition ex-Domaine |
$17.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (12/2018): The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition is a step up over the 2015 and offers more depth and richness. Rocking levels of black cherries, blackberries, mulberries, garrigue, pepper, and olive tapenade all give way to a medium to full-bodied 2016 that has a fleshy, flamboyant texture, sweet tannins, and obvious minerality on the finish. It’s a beautiful southern Rhône to drink over the coming 7-8 years. |
|
| Dom. Henri Bonneau |
NV |
Vin de Table du Vaucluse Les Rouliers 2013/2014 blend |
$48.95 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. la Barroche |
2014 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Signature ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
36 |
|
| |
WS 91 (10/2016): Juicy, with plum paste and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors that race along, bolstered by a bright anise note. Stays juicy through the finish, showing hints of plum skin, fruitcake and lightly singed alder. Best from 2017 through 2025. 1,800 cases made.
WA 90 (10/2016): The 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape checks in as a blend of 62% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah and the rest Cinsault, Clairette Rose and Vaccarèse, all of which was raised mostly in older foudre, with smaller amounts in demi-muids and stainless steel. Medium-bodied, focused and lively, with good concentration and a vibrant, Burgundian-like tension and focus, it offers classic Southern Rhône notes of garrigue, Provençal spice, sappy herbs, and black raspberry and cherry fruit characteristics. Drink it anytime over the coming 7-8 years.
VM 91-93 (4/2016): (fermented in concrete and aged in used foudres and demi-muids): Vivid ruby. Deep, smoke-accented dark berry and floral pastille scents are sharpened by a note of peppery spice. Smoky and sweet in the mouth, offering concentrated boysenberry and cherry flavors and a hint of candied violet. Shows very good power and energy and finishes with excellent focus and length; velvety, late-arriving tannins add shape. Quite serious for an entry-level bottling; I'd bet on this making a solid cellar candidate. Josh Raynolds.
JLL **** (10/2015): Dark, full red robe. Pepper-licorice feature in a live, open nose that is full of life, has streamlined black cherry fruit at its heart, and a kind air of flowers such as violets. The palate presents live, pepped up black fruit with salted moments, so it drinks well. There is a small knot of late tannin-tar. This is pacy wine with brio and w.o.w. potential, offering direct, good, coursing fruit . It is 15°, but you wouldn’t know it. It can gain fat as it ages. From mid-2017. “The skins, pips, sugars and tannins all ripened together, which is rare, in 2014. It has expanded since the spring of 2015, has a lot of salinity,” Julien Barrot. |
|
| Dom. Palon |
2015 |
Vacqueyras |
$25 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Vincent Paris |
2018 |
Cornas Granit 30 |
$34.99 |
32 |
|
| |
| JD 92-94 (12/2019): Moving to the Cornas releases, the 2018 Cornas Granit 30 comes from slightly younger vines and vineyards further down on the slope, closer to the village. Completely destemmed and brought up in used barrels, it offers a complex bouquet of blue fruits, lavender, violets, and sweet incense as well as a medium to full-bodied, rounded, sexy style on the palate that carries lots of sweet fruit that almost hides sound underlying structure. |
|
| Domaine les Goubert |
2017 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Beaumes de Venise Rouge ex-Domaine |
$19.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Eric Texier |
2000 |
Chateaneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes Wrinkled Label |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (8/2002): So sleek and clean, this full-bodied red combines beautifully spicy fruit, black currant, licorice and a touch of eucalyptus. Light-footed, it glides on the palate to a long and elegant finish. Seductive. Drink now through 2007. 1,220 cases made. |
|
| Le Vieux Donjon |
2018 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$49.95 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 93-95 (8/2019): A beautiful wine in the vintage, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as stunning notes of blackcurrants, crushed violets, ground pepper, and cured meats. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully textured, it has ripe, present tannins and a great finish. It doesn't have the sheer richness found in a top vintage, yet it's complex, classic, layered, and long. In short, it's a beautiful wine that makes the most of this vintage. |
|
| Mourchon |
2018 |
Chateauneuf du Pape ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (6/2020): Lots of spice, garrigue, black pepper, licorice, and kirsch and blackberry fruit notes emerge from the 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape. This plush, medium to full-bodied effort has a soft, forward texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shows the approachable, sexy style of the 2018 vintage and is already hard to resist. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years. |
|
| Paul Jaboulet Aine |
2018 |
Crozes Hermitage Dom. de Thalabert ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (11/2020): The 2019 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert showed well, with a floral, pepper, and sappy herb style as well as plenty of darker cherry and currant fruit. With medium to full body, a vibrant, elegant texture, present tannins, and good acidity, this is a classic, balanced Thalabert to hide for 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. |
|
| Pierre Gaillard |
2016 |
Cote Rotie |
$49.99 |
30 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (9/2019): Brilliant violet. Smoke-accented aromas of fresh dark berries and pungent flowers. Smooth and spicy on the palate, offering bitter cherry, cassis and bitter chocolate flavors that show very good depth and building sweetness. Chewy tannins frame the mineral-tinged finish, which lingers with strong, blue-fruit-driven persistence. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Alain Voge |
2018 |
St. Peray Harmonie |
$35.99 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2020): Translucent straw-yellow. Aromas of ripe orchard and pit fruits are complemented by subtle mineral and floral overtones. Broad and seamless on the palate, offering juicy pear, peach nectar and tangerine flavors and a touch of candied ginger. In a pliant, fruit-driven style, displaying subtle closing cut and repeating florality. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Delas |
2014 |
Condrieu La Galopine |
$49 |
11 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2019 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Antonio Vallana & Figlio |
2016 |
Colline Novaresi Spanna |
$16.95 |
15 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Gattinara |
$35.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Az. Agr. Il Carpino |
2015 |
Exordium Venezia Giulia IGT |
$39.99 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2019): This is an extremely interesting off-gold wine from northeast Italy that drinks with the power and intensity of a red wine. The 2015 Exordium is a pure expression of Friulano. The wine puts special attention on mouthfeel, richness and persistence. Like the other wines in this portfolio, this expression sees up to 14 days of skin maceration. The finished wine then ages in large oak casks for 12 months. Friulano is already remarkable in its naked state thanks to its special richness and texture. However, this wine is even more elaborate. I would recommend putting it aside for a few more years. Some 5,000 bottles were produced. |
|
| Azelia |
2018 |
Langhe Nebbiolo |
$19.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (7/2020): Unlike many of its peers, the Azelia 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo is aged only in steel, resulting in a soft, fresh and slightly downplayed expression of the grape. The wine is characterized by its simplicity and a bouquet that hits all the basics but doesn't attempt to offer any special intensity or precision. It's just Nebbiolo, the kind of bright and cheerful wine to pair with a cheese platter and crackers. About 15,200 bottles were produced. |
|
| Barone Ricasoli |
2000 |
Casalferro Toscana IGT |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Benevelli Piero |
2011 |
Barolo Ravera |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2015): Benevelli's 2011 Barolo Ravera is powerful and intense, although the forward aromas and flavors suggest it is on a relatively fast aging curve. Cedar, tobacco, worn-in leather, herbs and smoke wrap around a core of dark fruit with roasted overtones. My impression is that the fruit will fade before the tannins have a chance to soften. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Casaloste |
1994 |
Chianti Classico Riserva Lightly Water/Wetness-Stained Label |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (1/1999): Good deep red. Cherry, tobacco, chocolate and a hint of tea on the nose. Rich, sweet and generous, with moderately concentrated cherry fruit and good density for the vintage. Has enough mid-palate material to support the substantial dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Col d' Orcia |
1990 |
Olmaia Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Conti Brandolini d'Adda |
2003 |
Friuli Grave Merlot Vistorta |
$25 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Drei Dona (Tenuta la Palazza) |
1995 |
Magnificat Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (1/2000): Deep ruby. Extremely backward nose hints at raw crushed dark berries and minerals. Very concentrated, primal, sweet flavors of crushed berries. Impressive density and depth for Italian cabernet. Finishes very long, with huge but sweet palate-saturating tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ettore Fontana |
1999 |
Barolo |
$50 |
30 |
|
| |
|
| Falesco |
2003 |
Marciliano |
$25 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Marciliano |
$27 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (2/2008): The 2004 Marciliano (70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc) is made in a similarly powerful, structured style as the Montiano. Unfortunately it doesn't have that wine's core of fruit and I don't see it ever becoming an especially generous wine. The Cabernet Franc character is also surprisingly absent in this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. |
|
|
2004 |
Marciliano Wrinkled Label |
$27 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (2/2008): The 2004 Marciliano (70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc) is made in a similarly powerful, structured style as the Montiano. Unfortunately it doesn't have that wine's core of fruit and I don't see it ever becoming an especially generous wine. The Cabernet Franc character is also surprisingly absent in this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. |
|
|
2005 |
Montiano |
$49 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Fattoria Cinciano |
2016 |
Chianti Classico Riserva |
$27.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Feudi di San Gregorio |
2003 |
Serpico |
$45 |
17 |
|
| |
| WS 90 (7/2006): A sturdy, chewy Aglianico, with bright berry fruit, mingled with floral, mineral and sweet tobacco notes. Medium- to full-bodied, with an intense bead of fruit, firm young tannins and a long, ultraclean mineral finish. Slightly less opulent than years past but excellent. Needs time. Best after 2008. 7,000 cases made. |
|
| Franco Molino |
2015 |
Barolo |
$24.50 |
21 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Barolo Rocche dell Annunziata Riserva |
$39.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| Girolamo Russo |
2018 |
Etna Bianco Nerina |
$34.99 |
21 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (10/2019): The 2018 Etna Bianca Nerina is subdued at first, but then it leads to a linear and sharp bouquet that features lemon zest, pear, white peach and crushed stone. A blend of mostly Carricante with Catarratto, Minnella, Inzolia, Grecanico and Coda di Volpe, the wine offers all the components necessary to peg it to the volcanic soils of Etna, and this is something Beppe Russo achieves with pinpoint precision. This vintage shows slightly, just a hair, less depth than some of its predecessors, but a near to medium-term drinking cycle and a grilled filet of striped bass will do it justice. |
|
| Goretti |
2007 |
Sagrantino di Montefalco |
$30 |
8 |
|
| |
|
| La Spinetta |
2000 |
Barbera dAlba Gallina |
$49 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2002): The 2000 Barbera d'Alba Gallina was aged 16-18 months in new French oak. It offers an explosive bouquet of tobacco, sweet black fruits, licorice, and earth. Full-bodied, intense, and velvety-textured, with great palate presence, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years to take advantage of its exuberance. |
|
|
2000 |
Barbera dAlba Gallina Scuffed Label |
$49 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2002): The 2000 Barbera d'Alba Gallina was aged 16-18 months in new French oak. It offers an explosive bouquet of tobacco, sweet black fruits, licorice, and earth. Full-bodied, intense, and velvety-textured, with great palate presence, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years to take advantage of its exuberance. |
|
| Le Piane |
2013 |
Mimmo Vino Rosso |
$27.99 |
17 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Piane Vino Rosso |
$44.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90-92 (4/2016): The 2012 Piane Vino Rosso (formerly Colline Novaresi) is deep, powerful and intense, almost unusually so for a Croatina-based wine. Plum, black stone fruit, licorice and smoke meld together in a pliant, resonant red full of personality. Hints of sweet herb and tobacco emerge on the finish, but this is a distinctly deep wine that will require time in bottle to develop its full range of aromatics. Tasted from barrel. |
|
| Maison Anselmet |
2004 |
Torrette Henri Syrah |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Marchesi di Barolo |
2010 |
Barbaresco |
$49.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2013): The 2010 Barbaresco offers a classic portrait of a beautiful wine in a celebrated vintage. There’s not much to criticize here: The fruit is fleshy and lively, the aromas are intense and well-defined, and the finish is long and juicy. There’s a playful dusting of white pepper that works exceptionally well to add focus and overall sharpness. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. |
|
| Michele Satta |
1997 |
Piastraia Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
8 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2000): The riveting 1997 Piastraia is a blend of equal parts Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak for 14 months. It possesses a thick, dark ruby color, in addition to an explosive nose of red and black fruits, pepper, vanillin, and smoke. Full-bodied and opulent, with lots of concentration and flavor dimensions. This is a wine of fabulous fruit intensity, complexity, and overall symmetry. It should drink well for 10-12 years. Bravo! |
|
| Montalbera |
2009 |
Monferrato LAccento Ruche di Castagnole Slightly Depressed Cork |
$29 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Monferrato LAccento Ruche di Castagnole |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Orma |
2005 |
Orma Toscana IGT Slightly Raised Cork; Bin-Soiled Label |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 91 (12/2007): Dark in color, with intense aromas of blackberry and black licorice, with hints of oak and an earthy undertone. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, a long finish and a round, caressing texture. The debut wine for Sette Ponti from Bolgheri. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Not imported into the U.S. Best after 2009. 1,000 cases made. |
|
| Pievalta |
2014 |
Verdicchio Castelli Jesi |
$17.99 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Pio Cesare |
2007 |
Langhe Oltre |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Poggio Maestrino e Spiaggiole |
2017 |
Morellino di Scansano Spiaggiole |
$19.99 |
7 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Morellino di Scansano Spiaggiole |
$14.99 |
18 |
|
| |
|
| Renieri |
2013 |
Re di Renieri Toscana IGT |
$30 |
4 |
|
| |
| WS 88 (12/2016): The plum, black cherry, menthol, thyme and spice flavors are backed by firm tannins. The finish leans toward the rustic camp, with moderate length. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020. 2,000 cases made. |
|
| Rocca di Castagnoli |
2015 |
Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio aFrati |
$24.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JS 94 (7/2018): A Chianti Classico with serious density and richness. Yet, this remains fresh and energetic. Medium to full body, a solid core of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. |
|
| Rocche Costamagna |
2016 |
Barolo Rocche dellAnnunziata |
$44.99 |
21 |
|
| |
|
| San Vito |
2011 |
Malmantico Vin Santo (375 ML) |
$26.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Sottimano |
2013 |
Barbera dAlba Pairolero (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2015): Pliant, supple and expressive, Sottimano's 2013 Barbera d'Alba Pairolero is a real beauty. The freshness and energy of the vintage come through in spades. Delicate and medium in body, the 2013 is all finesse. The 2013 spent 25 days on its skins and 18 months in neutral French oak, with no racking until bottling. In a word: Superb. |
|
|
2016 |
Barbera dAlba Pairolero (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 92 (5/2019): Sottimano gave the 2016 three weeks on the skins and 18 months in mostly neutral oak with no racking. Hints of lavender, sage and blue/purplish berry fruit add myriad shades of this understated, gracious Barbera. In the 2016, readers will find a gorgeous wine that is also much less bombastic in style than in the past. Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (6/2019): The fruit for the 2016 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Pairolero comes from the top-lying parts of Basarin, most of it from 40-, 50- and 60-year-old vines. It pours to a ruby color, having endured 25 days of maceration, just a few days of submersed cap and then about two years in oak. It spends those years on the less, and the Sottimano family counts on bottling it for as long as they can, to put the brakes on the wine, so to speak. This technique was learned in Burdgundy. What comes out of this process is a Barbera d'Alba that shows the power of the vintage yet is extremely well made, fresh and elegant. Some 12,000 bottles were produced. Serve it with a lamb steak. |
|
|
2018 |
Barbera dAlba Pairolero ex-Domaine |
$19.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Langhe Nebbiolo (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
16 |
|
| |
| WA 90+ (6/2019): They did not make this wine in 2017 because of hail damage, but the 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo turned out quite elegant and fine. The vines are about 15 years old here, and yet you pick up very refined notes. Again, we're dealing with an ample 30 days of maceration and ten days of submerged cap, similar to every Barbaresco they make, but the difference here is you don't need perfect skins like you do with the other expressions. It's one of those wines that leaves a few unanswered questions, and even Andrea Sottimano is left a little perplexed when trying to come up with a comparison for this wine, surmising only that the elegant nature is due to the long maceration times. At any rate, the 2016 vintage is definitely more classic in its approach and has more power than this, but the 2018 is its own mysterious thing. Some 22,000 bottles were made. |
|
|
2019 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Mate Brachetto ex-Domaine |
$17.99 |
17 |
|
| |
|
| Spiaggole |
2014 |
Morellino di Scansano Spiaggiole |
$14.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Tenuta del Barone |
2007 |
Toscana IGT Old Signs of Seepage; Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (6/2012): The 2007 Tenuta del Barone is a plump, juicy wine bursting with dark red cherries, French oak, plums and espresso. It is a typical Maremma wine in its generous, enveloping personality, but it is also quite forward and not built for the long haul. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that spends 24 months in barrique. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. |
|
| Tenuta di Ghizzano |
1999 |
Nambrot Toscana IGT |
$45 |
11 |
|
| |
| WS 86 (7/2001): Plenty of berry and vanilla aromas in this young wine. Medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a coconut and berry character. Slightly too much new wood, but pleasant. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2003. 700 cases made. |
|
|
1999 |
Nambrot Toscana IGT Lightly Nicked Label |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 86 (7/2001): Plenty of berry and vanilla aromas in this young wine. Medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a coconut and berry character. Slightly too much new wood, but pleasant. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2003. 700 cases made. |
|
| Tenuta San Guido |
2018 |
Guidalberto |
$39.95 |
26 |
|
| |
JS 91 (5/2020): Easy and layered with cherry and chocolate aromas and flavors. Medium body, soft tannins and a savory finish. Drink now.
WS 90 (10/2020): This red combines cherry and blackberry fruit with hints of earth and wild herbs, framed by a light oaky undertone. Firm and linear, with fine balance and a lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2024. 17,200 cases made, 4,000 cases imported. |
|
| Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve |
2001 |
Decima Aurea IGT |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2001 |
Decima Aurea IGT Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Terre di Rai |
2018 |
Terredirai Pinot Grigio |
$11.95 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Cantemerle |
2011 |
Haut Medoc |
$45 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Ch. La Caze Bellevue |
2015 |
St. Emilion ex-Negociant |
$21.99 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Ch. Labegorce |
2017 |
Margaux 2017 en Primeur Release |
$29.95 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Ch. St. Pierre |
2010 |
St. Emilion |
$35 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Ch. Valrose |
2000 |
St. Estephe |
$45 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
| WS 92 (3/2003): Super well-done. Bright and floral, with lovely raspberries and blackberries on the nose. Full-bodied, with fabulous, silky tannins and a solid core of fruit. Very, very long. The wines from this château get better and better. Best after 2008. 2,220 cases made. |
|
| Clos la Gaffeliere |
2015 |
St. Emilion ex-Negociant |
$29.95 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Marquis de Calon |
2017 |
St. Estephe 2017 en Primeur Release |
$27.99 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Arlaud |
2018 |
Bourgogne Roncevie |
$26.95 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Dom. Camus-Bruchon & Fils |
2004 |
Savigny Les Beaune Aux Grands Liards Vieilles Vignes |
$35 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Jean Gagnerot |
2001 |
Gevrey-Chambertin |
$50 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2000 |
Pommard 1er Cru Clos Micault |
$50 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Maison Seguin-Manuel |
2012 |
Bourgogne Pinot Noir |
$20 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Hospices de Beaune (L. Jadot) |
2003 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Cuvee Albert Grivault |
$30 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Jean-Marc Brocard |
1996 |
Chablis 1er Cru Beauregard |
$20 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Clos du Mont Olivet |
2012 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$39 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2015): Opaque ruby. Highly aromatic bouquet of black raspberry, peppery spices and potpourri, with a zesty mineral nuance providing focus. Spicy and penetrating, with very good clarity to its lively flavors of red berry preserves, rose pastille and spicecake. Shows potent floral and spicecake character on the long, gently tannic finish, which leaves a hint of smoky minerals behind. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. Chante Cigale |
2005 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$35 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Dom. Vincent Paris |
2018 |
Cornas Granit 60 |
$48.99 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Castello di Nipozzano (Frescobaldi) |
2004 |
Mormoreto Proprietary Blend Lightly Nicked Label |
$50 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| La Valentina |
2001 |
Montepulciano dAbruzzo Bellovedere |
$45 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
|